Wednesday 26th February 2014

Astra VXR Extreme new details

A little more power and a lot less weight for Vauxhall's latest mega hatch

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This Astra VXR EXTREME (enough shouting already) is what happens when Vauxhall adds lightness to its bruising hot hatch, and the results are fairly dramatic. We knew from the preview image it wasn't going to be a discreet hot hatch (when has a fast Vauxhall even been discreet?) but a few more tech details now confirm it will be a very serious track focused model.

A smaller wing would save more weight...

Carbon fibre is employed for the bonnet, roof, wheels,spoilers and diffuser, lowering the centre of gravity and shaving weight in important areas. A carbon roof is nearly 7kg lighter than a steel equivalent (2.6kg against 9.3kg) and the aluminium wings weigh 60 per cent less than steel versions at 800g each.

Combined with some extreme (sorry) changes inside including a rear seat delete, the addition of a cage and new front Recaros, this ultimate Astra weighs 100kg less than a normal VXR.

Great, except for one small detail. The VXR was already a hefty old thing, weighing in at 1,475kg. Taking it down to 1,375kg is a fine achievement but only puts it in the same ballpark as the Golf GTI (1,351kg) and Megane 265 (1,320kg). For further context the Megane R26.R's listed kerbweight is 1,230kg.

Harnesses in a hatch? Must be serious

Still, it will be more powerful than any FWD rival, with over 300hp promised from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo. Power will still reach the front wheels through a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential.

Brakes have been upgraded too, with 370mm Brembo discs at the front gripped by six-piston calipers. Vauxhall's info also states 'the damper is adjustable, just like in a real touring car racer' so some configurability in the suspension seems likely.

It's a pretty comprehensive overhaul then, one that could make the Astra VXR a mighty tool on both road and track. Still confident about that boast of a FWD 'ring record for the new Civic Type R Honda?

[P4ROT]

Hmm I can see the demographic this is aimed at (quilted seats lol)

[Podie]

Think I'd take an R26.R instead...

[Ali_T]

Dread to think what they intend to charge. Could set new records for depreciation over 3 years.

I'm also surprised, given the looks, that they didn't go the whole hog and call it the VXtReme.

[marmite monster]

still too heavy

[Fast Bug]

I saw people saying how heavy the Astra was in the Bi-Turbo news thingy, never knew it has that heavy! They shed 100kg out of this and it's still heavier than a Golf

[WCZ]

should be a special car but still too heavy
the cage probably weighs about 30kg too though so 130kg is a serious reduction!

Edited by WCZ on Wednesday 26th February 10:20

[Superjuiced]

Had the original VXR and while it was torques steer crazy for the price it cost it was great value. Back them I certainly couldn't afford a £30k+ car and if I could I certainly wouldn't spend it on this. All that effort for 100kgs surely if someone wants a track focuses road car they buy an Elise/atom etc. good luck vauxhall!

[Fitz666]

Interesting....

Not quite so keen on the "Airfix" stickers though....

[Antj]

Heard it all before. Vauxhall were testing a very very similar spec Corsa VXR a few years ago that was going to be caged, plastic windows, more power and huge brakes with fancy suspension. It was the forthcoming Nurburgring model and Vauxhall actually borrowed an R26.R from Renault to use for its comparisons. I remember the VXR brand manager being so excited about how this car was going to relight Vauxhalls sporting hatches, yet OPC who ultimately have the decision on all VXR cars said there was no need for it and watered it down to what eventually became the Corsa Nurburgring.


So i'll believe it when i see it.

[delays]

I see they're going for "understated".

[paulmoonraker]

Makes the Focus RS look tame... Fair play to them...

[goron59]

I wonder where all the weight sits? All that carbon, alu, seat deletion and it's still heavier than a Golf?

Did it have a full endurance fuel tank? steel spare wheel from a tractor? Tyres filled with water?

[anonymous-user]

Wow 1375Kg for a "lightweight" special, so does that make an original Renault Espace a Caterham?

[dukebox9reg]

Honda has a new challenger for the ring record then. The new Type R is going to have to be very special.

Just have to see what Renault do with the Megane now.

Ergh again with the 4 exhausts, surely would shed some weight with a single pipe.

[Guvernator]

Really, why is it that whenever a car manufacturer wants to make a "really serious" hot hatch or saloon, the first thing they do is rip out the rear seats? I just don't get the thinking, surely the whole point of these cars is that they are fast\fun but with the added benefit of some nods to practicality? If you rip out the rear seats, you then put it into competition with lots of dedicated 2 seaters which are often much better at the fun aspect than a worked over hatchback.

[Roma101]

Good to see a manufacturer attempting this sort of thing again...if it happens. Shame it still weighs so much!

[anonymous-user]

What on earth is the point in this thing? If I want a fun but impractical 2 seater I do not think "A Vauxhall scrabble wagon is where I shall spunk my £30k". I do not see who is going to buy this beyond a minuscule number of well heeled Vauxhall fanatics.

[Captainawesome]

Ali_T said:

Dread to think what they intend to charge. Could set new records for depreciation over 3 years.

I'm also surprised, given the looks, that they didn't go the whole hog and call it the VXtReme.

Thats a brilliant name. They've missed a trick there.

[IanJ9375]

goron59 said:

I wonder where all the weight sits? All that carbon, alu, seat deletion and it's still heavier than a Golf?

Did it have a full endurance fuel tank? steel spare wheel from a tractor? Tyres filled with water?

Have you stood next to one - it's a seriously big car

[ToothbrushMan]

Youre going to look a right tommy tanker driving around in one of these.....subtle it aint. Few people on the roads are anything other than your average wallflower. This just shouts "tit" to everyone no matter how fast it is.

Get something that you can ferry people around in in the back, nicer front seats, easier to use std seat belts......

Still no confirmed figures - Hmmm I bet if the Honda Civic Type R is announced with 300hp, Vauxhall will crawl out from under its stone announcing this is going to get 301hp.....